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This is an update to our previous blog from February: https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/community/blogs/systemssupport/entry/Fix_Central_bulkFTP_download_option_is_now_using_FTPS?lang=en and the data in the FAQ at: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T1024541 Can I use SFTP instead of FTPS? Yes, as of June 2017, SFTP has been enabled for all bulkFTPS paths in FixCentral. Note: IBM employees may have problems using SFTP as the internal IBM network does not have the SFTP connections setup yet for these... [More]

The IBM I fix download path on Fix Central has received a recent upgrade. For the download methods like: - Download individual fixes directly to my system - Download individual fixes to my PC for installation using Systems Director - Download virtual images using Download Director .... can now be used on Chrome, latest Firefox and any other browsers that do not support applets. If you use a browser that does not support applets, the first time you try and use... [More]

Fix Central is now using an encrypted SSL (TLS) based FTP protocol. As of February 21, 2017, all downloads using "bulk FTP" will require a secure FTP client connection. IBM is supporting passive mode FTPS only. Many FTP clients that support FTPS default to passive mode. For AIX users you will need to use the "passive" command from the FTP command line after logging in. If you do not enter "passive" mode you will receive "Connection time out" errors when trying to get a directory listing or... [More]

Usage Overview The FLRTVC tool was developed to allow System Admins and Auditors to generate vulnerability reports for AIX systems based on HIPER and Security Bulletins published by the AIX Security team. The tool is written in the KornShell 93 language to simplify the deployment to any AIX server. The script will generate a report that lists each vulnerability and any fixes installed for that vulnerability. The report will also list Security Bulletin URLs, that provide instructions on how to install the fixes for each... [More]

IBM recognizes the growing adoption of mobile devices by our customers and support POWER8 servers using Quick Response Codes. All POWER8 servers are shipped with a QR Code fixed to the server. In Addition to the use of QR Codes, IBM has also created Customer Replacement Unit (CRU) videos to aid customers with servicing and replacing parts on their POWER8 servers. They are available on YouTube S822 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRD44kCoP0FowhfJtfeBH1w/videos S824... [More]

You have probably noticed changes in the last few months on Fix Central. Pop up notices, sign-in requirement, e-mail verification, and accepting Terms and Conditions. I'm here to talk to you about entitlement changes and what to do if you encounter errors in your quest to download an update. First of all, not all IBM products are currently 'hard' entitled, meaning you MUST pass entitlement before you are allowed to download the update. Some products are in 'soft' entitlement. This goes through the verification process, but... [More]

The PowerHA SystemMirror 6.1 and 7.1 updates have been moved into Fix Central . Previously, the updates were available for download from the PowerHA 'special awareness site' – http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/hacmp/home.html . This site has now changed to only support PowerHA V5 updates. Fix Central now lists both a 'PowerHA SystemMirror' product and a 'PowerHA V5 legacy releases' product for selection under 'Cluster software'. At some point in the future, these two 'products'... [More]

IBM provides many no-cost tools that can help you configure, install, deploy, maintain, and diagnose your system. To identify the tools available, visit the IBM Support Portal . Look up your product by searching for a product name or number, or by browsing through a product tree. After selecting a product, look under Tools and resources and follow the Product tools and utilities link. In this example, the selected product is AIX 7.1. The Fix Level Recommendation Tool (FLRT) is an important tool for AIX clients and can... [More]

As a follow up to our May 28 blog post, New Power firmware path in Fix Central , we are announcing the release of two IBM Electronic Support YouTube Channel videos on the same subject. This video describes how to find and download HMC fixes from the IBM Support Portal, based on the level of system firmware that you are installing. How to Download HMC fixes based on the System Firmware ... [More]

IBM Support Portal is a
unified, centralized view of all technical support tools and
information for IBM systems, software, and services worldwide. The
IBM Support Portal is your gateway to all of your technical support
resources. The first time you access the Support Portal, the Quick Start page
helps you select one or more products and the page that represents
the task you want to complete. The products selected will determine
the content displayed on all portal pages. Select Continue
when you are ready to view information related to... [More]